SCAN: News and resources for Southern California appellate lawyers, featuring the Second and Fourth District Courts of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Justice Humes profiled

Friday's DJ profiled 1/4's Justice James Humes (James Humes, Gov. Jerry Brown's longtime trusted adviser, is making his mark on the appellate court), who was appointed in 2012. Humes served as Brown's chief deputy at the state
attorney general's office, and, when Brown became governor, as one of his two
senior-most advisers. There, Humes - who claimed he has "zero political
instinct" - supervised all the "nonpolitical stuff," including
high-stakes litigation against the state. ... Humes instantly made history by becoming the first
openly gay appellate court justice in California. ... former colleagues painted a picture of a man nearly
universally adored as a top-rate lawyer and brilliant manager.Comments include: "Jim is just incredibly fair and honest and ethical"; "never form over substance"; "doesn't beat about the bush."The article notes that many expect Brown to name Humes to the Supreme Court eventually, perhaps even to take Justice Kennard's seat.

And, because "He really appreciates good writing. He is
almost an artist when it comes to wanting every word to count," he'd probably appreciate this latest article by Bryan Garner: Ax These Terms From Your Legal Writing